Hey Friends,

Today I am sharing my version of Simplicity 8166. This is a little different style for me, but one that I have been wearing lots since I made it. It’s great to throw on over a pair of tights and boots, and layered with a cardigan if needed. (BTW, I think this pattern might be heading to OOP soon).

My version is made from a floral printed viscose. It feels very comfortable to wear. I did make some adjustments to the pattern (including some aspects of the construction – see below), and overall the fit is ok, but I should have done an FBA. The gaping is not that noticeable (only at one point), but if I made this again I will have to do that.

There are two main things to watch out for with pattern:

1. The pattern has you creating narrow multiple channels at the neck and sleeve openings, and feeding narrow elastic through to create the shirred effect. Yuck! Who has time for that? I replaced all of that fuss by simply sewing lines of shirring elastic to create the same effect. Soft, comfortable and stress free.
2. The length of elastic you are recommended to use in the pattern to create the button loops (8 cm) is way too long. I used the recommended size of buttons but used 5 cm long elastic strips.

Some close up details:

Pattern Review

Pattern Description: 

Misses’ peasant style blouse and dress features a shirring or bow tie neckline to create a chic look. Pattern also includes skirt and pant.

I made view A.

Pattern Sizing:

6 – 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

They were so – so. There are some things to watch out for, which I detail below.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

This is a different style for me but I have been wearing this lots since I made it. I like the high collar and the shirred sleeves. Nothing to dislike – if you watch out for a couple of things.

Fabric Used:

Floral printed viscose

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• 1 inch full arm adjustment.
• The pattern has you creating narrow multiple channels at the neck and sleeve openings, and feeding narrow elastic through to create the shirred effect. Yuck! Who has time for that? I replaced all of that fuss by simply sewing lines of shirring elastic to create the same effect. Soft, comfortable and stress free.
• I added interfacing to my plackets – the pattern does not tell you to do that.
• I made my collar facing 0.25 inches wider than the pattern has you do.
• The length of elastic you are recommended to use in the pattern to create the button loops (8 cm) is way too long. I used the recommended size of buttons but used 5 cm long elastic strips.
• I took a 2.5 inch hem.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I don’t know if I will sew this again, just because it is quite distinctive. If I did I will do a small FBA. Yes, I recommend – with caution.

Conclusion: 

If you favour the prim and proper victoriana style check this one out. I have been wearing this lots since I made it.

Hope you are all ready for Christmas! Here’s a shot of me with Kezia….no longer a baby (almost 9 years), but still excited for the festive season. Who thinks that this time next year she might be the same height as me?

Until soon…